South Africa

July 28-August 10, 2024

E482/V482/E582/V582 - Wildlife Conservation: A Case Study in Environmental Management (3cr.)

Program Director: Glen Salmon

This three-credit hour program will focus on wildlife as a case study of South Africa's most high profile and precious resources. Students will observe management philosophies different from those practiced in the US, and will also learn about how culture and post-apartheid policies have influenced these efforts.

After attending three academic sessions and one orientation session stateside, you will travel to approximately 10 natural areas in South Africa and Swaziland, both public and private, over a 14 day period. Through these visits you will learn about techniques, such as how a safe game capture can be made, research, such as bio-monitoring in Kruger National Park, challenges, such as poaching and politics, policy, such as the concept of private game ownership, sustainability, such as establishment of protected areas, and the impacts of ecotourism and the commercialization of national parks. Topics such as working alongside the communtity, funding, and general management practices will also be covered.

IU Bloomington Undergrads: See how this course counts towards your major/minor at O'Neill here.

• A close (but not too close) view of creatures in their natural environment including elephants, lions, hippos, giraffes, monkeys, and more
• Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean at Sodwana Marine Protected Area
• Stops at Kruger National Park and others as well as privately owned game reserves for a look at the public and private side of environmental management
• A local dinner and interaction with indigenous people
• A day in the bush tracking wildlife; possible game capture
• A day of bio-monitoring for reptiles and birds
• Viewing impacts of poaching, over-commercialization, etc.

Note: Your IU Bloomington Bursar account will be charged two amounts for participation in this O’Neill International program:

1. O’Neill International program fee (two payments)
2. IU Bloomington Tuition

For a full breakdown of estimated cost, see the South Africa fee sheet.

2024 O’Neill in South Africa Program Fee:  Estimated $3,800-$4,100

*Actual cost will be posted early Spring semester

The program fee will be charged to your Bursar account in two installments:

1. A $550 non-refundable pre-payment shortly after you confirm your participation in the program
2. The remaining program fee balance will be charged in March, due in April

The program fee for this program includes:

• Lodging
• Medical insurance
• ALL food
• Transportation throughout the program
• Park entrance fees
• Cultural excursions

Flights are not included in the program fee

IU Bloomington Tuition – 3 credits

The tuition cost for this O’Neill International program is based on IU Bloomington tuition. The cost of tuition you pay will vary based on your student status. For more information on the cost of summer tuition, please contact IU Student Central.

Additional Costs

You will need to pay for your flight to South Africa and other incidentals.

Scholarships

The O’Neill International Equal Opportunity Scholarship is available to help O’Neill students from IUB and IUPUI study abroad. Undergraduate students on the South Africa program are also able to apply for our environmental scholarship. Please visit our scholarship page for eligibility requirements and application deadlines. 

Other scholarships are available on a competitive basis.

Both undergraduate and graduate students in good standing are eligible to apply for admission. Ideal candidates should have a GPA of approximately 3.0 but all applicants in good standing will be considered. The course is open to students from any related IU department.

INTERVIEWS REQUIRED: The week of January 24- January 28, the program director will be scheduling interviews to select students for the program. 

During the application period (December 1-January 21) an "Apply Now" button will be available at the top of this page. You will need to submit the online application by 5 p.m. on January 21.

Detailed application instructions

If you have any issues throughout the application process, please do not hesitate to contact the O'Neill International Office, 812-855-7568, oio@indiana.edu.